Transportation - Mexico
 
Mexico - General
 
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_Mexico
 
 
Mexico's land transportation network is one of the most extensive in Latin America. More than 4,000 kilometers (2,400 mi.) of four-lane highway have been built through government concessions to private sector contractors since 1989, of which 3,500 kilometers (2,100 mi.) have been constructed since 1994. The vast majority of these expressways are toll roads, like in most other developing countries. (Originally awarded under Build-Operate-Transfer concession schemes, most of these private highways have since been "rescued" by central government financial intervention to save the operators from bankruptcy.)
 
The 26,622 km (16,268 mi.) of government-owned railroads in Mexico have been privatized through the sale of 50-year operating concessions. In the 1980s and 1990s, the government allowed the private operators to abandon nearly all passenger rail service. A plethora of private intercity bus lines serve the nation. Passenger rail service to the Copper Canyon region still operates, due to the remote nature of the area and tourist ridership.
 

A number of international airlines serve Mexico, with direct or connecting flights from most major cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Latin America. Most Mexican regional capitals and resorts have direct air services to Mexico City or the United States. Airport privatization, based on Mexico's successful experience with seaports, is nearly complete.  Airports 1,806 (1999 estimate)
 
Airports - with paved runways
Total: 233
over 3,047 m: 10
2,438 to 3,047 m: 28
1,524 to 2,437 m: 87
914 to 1,523 m: 81
under 914 m: 27 (1999 est.)		 Airports - with unpaved runways
Total: 1,573
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 63
914 to 1,523 m: 473
under 914 m: 1,035 (1999 est.)
 
 
Lake Chapala & Guadalajara

The transportation system around Lake Chapala and Guadalajara is excellent.  A modern four lane freeway  (not a toll road) connects Lake Chapala to Guadalajara; a short fifty minute drive.  Guadalajara, a city of 4.7 million, can take some getting used to for driving around and finding your way.  People tend to move from lane to lane as they please and turning signals are more the exception than the rule. Plus signs can be nicely planted up high or perhaps behind a tree and one way streets are everywhere.


However, once you get used to it, you will manage fine, although getting lost at first is almost a certainty.  The numbering system on streets carries no logic; most people use landmarks when giving directions.  Police officers are great people to ask directions of and often they will escort you there if that is easier than trying to explain the directions.


Driving in Lake Chapala is no problem at all, although in high season (our winter months), especially on weekends, the main carretera (highway) can be very busy.

The main carretera in Lake Chapala connects all the villages that lie along the lakeshore from Chapala to Jocotepec.  Chapala's main streets are wide and paved and although parking can be scarce, it is quite easy to get around.  The interior streets are cobblestone.

Ajijic streets are also cobblestone and parking is even more scarce.  There is a central plaza in all the villages and you can usually find a Taxi cab there.

There is a paved cyclopista running the whole length of the lakeside, which is wonderful for walking or riding bike.  It's a great way to stay in shape and socialize along the way with people you meet.  We love taking the dogs walking on Sunday mornings; waving as we go at the cars from people we know beeping their horns at us as they pass by.

Taxis

Taxis are abundant and very affordable, in spite of the high cost of gas.  However, on the lakeside, they don’t run late at night.  Often people will go to a restaurant anticipating they can simply call a cab to get home.  More than once we have been at a restaurant (that has no phone, and couldn’t get a cab if they did – unless previously arranged) and noticed people standing in front later in the evening watching for a passing taxi.  Invariably we (or other patrons, or even the staff) have driven the people home.

It is best to negotiate your fare BEFORE getting into the taxi.  Sometimes you can hire a taxi and driver for the day if you want to go into Guadalajara or Tlacapaque shopping.

Buses, Buses and More Buses

Mexico has an efficient, effective and low-cost bus system throughout the country.

Bus service is composed of three categories in Mexico and differs dramatically from countries north of the border.  Not all the routes offer all three categories, especially the shorter distances.

Busing is the main means of transportation for the working class of Mexico.  And you can go most anywhere in Mexico by bus.  They are safe and reliable.


The first class (executive) buses are excellent (and inexpensive), very comfortable and run between major cities.  They are modern, very clean, offer meal service and movies and have bathrooms- like flying first class.  They offer wide, reclining seats and leg supports.  You can even take a first class bus to the border for a very reasonable cost.

Second class buses serve every city and village in Mexico.  They may or may not have air conditioning and it is more like riding economy class in an airplane.  They are older, make frequent stops and are generally crowded, and very economical.  It is not uncommon for entertainers to climb on board, sing a few songs and pass the hat for a donation for the entertainment.  Don't worry, a couple of pesos is lots.
 
The third category of buses is smaller and run within local communities, up and down the streets picking up and dropping off along the way.  They are usually packed (standing room only) with local workers and students and the fare is around 7 pesos between Lakeside villages.  They aren't very luxurious but they will get you to where you need to go.  However, for long journey's I'd stick to the first class busses.
 
Fortunately on the lakeside, we have a very reliable good bus system and it is a great experience going from village to village on one of the local buses.  When a bus is full and it stops to let someone off, invariably they are at the back of the bus and everyone in front piles off and then back on till the next stop.  The experience can be quite a conversation piece. 

Renting Cars

Renting a car can be a bit expensive in Mexico, depending on the area and the time of year – law of supply and demand.  $50 to $80 US dollars a day at the airport.  You may be able to rent a ‘not so new’ car locally on the lakeside for quite a bit less, but I don’t think you’d want to drive too far in it.  

The nice thing about Lake Chapala is you can get around so easy and economically by bus and taxi, and even so into Guadalajara.

If you are visiting friends in the area and expect to borrow their vehicle to do some sight seeing while you are here, think again.  It is illegal to drive a foreign plated vehicle if you aren't the registered owner (Exception: you can drive it if the owner is in the car).  If you do borrow someone else's car and get stopped, you stand the chance of having the vehicle confiscated. 

On Foot

It is interesting to discover that you will do much more walking on the lakeside then you did back home.  The weather is perfect and you never have to worry about snow or ice.  Bring comfortable walking shoes – many of the village streets are cobblestone.  We caution people on our programs, when walking around the village, to look down when walking.  In fact, we even teach them what we call the “cobblestone shuffle” to avoid falls.

If you really like walking, head over to the Real de Chapala on Saturday mornings and step out with the Hash House Harriers on their early morning walk-abouts.
 
Mules & Horses
 
Four legged travel is alive and well.  It is very common to see horses tied up outside local shops in the village streets.

You can rent horses to ride in La Floresta.

And you’ll find tiny tots riding on their own, with ease.
 
 
 
Airlines

The airline transportation that operates in Mexico is very good. You will find Mexicana, Aero México, American, Delta, Continental and United. Flying from major cities in Canada or the U.S. to Guadalajara can cost around $800 US. It can be cheaper if you are flying to the coast in Mexico. Read "Guadalajara Airport" - International & Domestic Flights"
 
 
Traveling to and within mexico by Land,Sea or Air.